Creme brulee and panna cotta are my most-eaten desserts, as they offer this creamy urgency that I could barely resist. Over time, I have passed this religion on to my son (in healthy amounts), and I am certain he will pass it on to his kids.
However, having pets means extra caution needs to be applied when we offer them human-grade treats or drinks, as some could be beneficial, such as pocari sweats and methi paratha, while others, like tiramisu, could be very dangerous. So, can cats have crème brulee?
Here is everything you need to know about serving creme brulee for cats as a treat, possible dangers, and better alternatives you could offer instead.
Creme Brulee: What is it?
Creme brulee is a dessert of French origin. It is made with a creamy custard base that is furnished with a hard layer of caramel and chocolate shavings or fruits. Every single component of this decadent treat contributes to the flavor profile in its entirety. The caramelized top is made of torched sugar, which infuses a crunchy texture and a burnt sugar flavor to the dessert.
Getting creme brulee ready is not as hard as it may seem; all that is needed are a few ingredients. The custard base is created by mixing sugar, milk, and egg yolks in a saucepan before heating the mixture until it is thick. It is then turned into a silicone mold or a ramekin before being allowed to cool to room temperature.
Further, the caramelized sugar is created by pouring some ground sugar on top of the custard and caramelizing it with the aid of a propane torch, then macerated berries are poured over to form that aesthetically appealing look.
There are numerous types of creme brulee, each made by tweaking the flavor of the custard (vanilla, strawberry, and so forth) or changing the topping entirely, like using pistachios, chocolate, or pumpkins.
Can Cats Eat Creme Brulee?
Cats can have a teaspoon of creme brulee without problems, but it is not recommended to offer such treats to your pet. Cream brulee contains lots of sugar, from the custard base to the caramelization, which can upset your cat’s stomach. It also contains milk that could trigger lactose-intolerant symptoms.
As kittens, cats could handle cream and milk as they are still able to produce the lactase enzyme, an important enzyme that aids them in breaking down lactose in milk. However, as they begin to grow into adult cats, they begin to lose the ability to produce these enzymes. So, feeding them certain amounts of milk or cream (depending on the size of the cat) will trigger lactose intolerance symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Sugar is not toxic to cats; however, it is not beneficial either, making it a source of empty calories for your pet. Cats don’t have receptors that enable them to taste sugar, so there is no point in offering sugary treats as they are not able to taste sugar. Too much sugar offered over time to a cat will eventually lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental diseases. This is why it is not advisable to constantly offer sugary treats like crème brulee, which even has a caramelized top (more sugar), to your feline buddy.
As for vanilla essence or any other flavor used, they can be toxic if your cat has lots of them, as they contain alcohol. However, to make desserts like creme brulee, only drops of these essences are used, making it not enough to cause harm to your cat. Variations that include chocolate topping or shavings should never be given to cats, as chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats in certain amounts and can even be fatal.
Eggs, including balut, yolks, and whites, are all beneficial to cats in sizable amounts. Too much egg yolk could overload your feline friend with cholesterol. As for the berries used as toppings, almost all commonly used berries are safe for cats and could be used as an independent once-in-a-while treat, making them less of a threat to your cat’s health.
Can Cats Eat Creme Caramel?
Creme brulee and creme caramel have loads of similarities, such as in the ingredients used, but they are two different kinds of desserts. However, unlike the regular caramel topping you find on creme brulee, caramelized sugar syrup is used as the topping for creme caramel.
Cats can have a little creme caramel occasionally, but you should be aware that it is not suitable for cats as it has a significant empty calorie content, which will contribute to diabetes or obesity in the long run.
Can Kittens eat creme brulee?
Kittens perform well with human treats that contain dairy, as they can usually handle the lactose content of such treats. However, kittens still have delicate stomachs and organs and should not be overworked with human-grade treats like creme brulee. You can keep giving them age-specific treats that were formulated for them that would aid the proper development of their entire body.
Safe alternatives to creme brulee for cats
Sourcing for cooling treats you could offer your outside cat after a sunny day outside, or you can offer your cat just to furnish them with some affection? These treats will serve as a more healthy alternative to crème brulee for cats:
Frozen Broth Treat
Regular chicken or pork broth usually contains lots of seasonings and sodium that may cause poisoning in cats. Getting cat-safe broth is usually our best bet, and Nulo Bone Broth for Dogs and Cats or Primalvore Organic Bone Broth Food Topper for Dogs and Cats has always been an effective broth treat without causing problems for my cat. All you need to do is add some to ice cube trays and freeze. Voila! So tasty treats are ready to be pounced upon.
Cool claws
Cool Claws is the cat version of Frosty Paws for dogs, and it is widely found in grocers’ frozen aisles. It is like an ice cream-style treat that is formulated with cat-safe and beneficial ingredients that provide minerals and vitamins that are necessary to supplement your cat’s nutrient intake. My cat, who is usually very picky, enjoys this one, and I haven’t had any problems yet.
Ice
While ice may not be loaded with vitamins or minerals, it is very essential for your cat’s mental health. Licking promotes healthy gum and teeth for cats, and when offered on a lick mat, plaque, and bacteria get scrubbed off as they lick (this is mostly effective for cats that hate to be brushed). Licking can equally quell anxiety and help relieve stress in cats, making an ice treat a great option.
Frozen Pate Cat Treat
This doesn’t have to be rocket science. It is very easy to get ready. Get a can of pate that your kitty loves so much, add some water to it, scoop it into an ice cube tray, and freeze. I sometimes add some catnip or peanut butter, like Kirkland’s organic peanut butter, which is made without xylitol or any added ingredients. Bliss!
Is Creme Brulee safe for cats? Final Thoughts
Little Creme Brulee can be safely consumed by cats. However, it should be a once-in-a-while treat as it contains lots of sugar that could impact your cat’s health negatively. Also, it contains lactose, which adult cats can barely tolerate, making it the wrong choice or regular treat for cats.
You could offer your pet some cat-specific treats, and these treats could contribute to their health and mental well-being.
